Hand Banana:Rwa2play: DjangoStonereaver: Rwa2play: DjangoStonereaver: Meh. I can type 75WPM (when I'm in practice), and even I need to look at the key labels fairly often.

I prefer Northgate or original IBM PC or PC/AT keyboards, and computers with PS/2 connectors. All arebecoming much harder to find.

csb time:

Our paralegal hated the keyboards that came with the latest batch of computers our boss bought. She used to type with an IBM Correcting Selectric Typewriter AND an OLD NCR rig from way back. Didn't compain about the Compaqs, but the keyboards on the Dells and HPs he bought thereafter are so light that she can't "feel" the keys when she types.

Luckily we had another computer whose keyboard resembled something close to the keyboards she used to use. Always wondered if the Das keyboards would resemble something that she would've used with the typewriter or the PC/AT keyboards of back in the day.

When we first set up the main computer in our house, I tried to put a PC/AT keyboard on it but my wife made me put anewer, less clacky, keyboard on it in short order because she haded the noise. That keyboard sits happily on myCrunchbang Linux box in our basement however.

This is the Dell keyboard she uses. May not resemble the classic IBM 'boards of the past but she likes using it.

I have a Dell keyboard also, but it's a model M made by Lexmark.

[www.clickykeyboard.com image 400x300]

Question: Wouldn't IBM make a killing from selling an updated version (for use on XP onward/Mac) of the Model M; both a genuine Model M and a customizable Model M?

Rwa2play:Hand Banana: Rwa2play: DjangoStonereaver: Rwa2play: DjangoStonereaver: Meh. I can type 75WPM (when I'm in practice), and even I need to look at the key labels fairly often.

I prefer Northgate or original IBM PC or PC/AT keyboards, and computers with PS/2 connectors. All arebecoming much harder to find.

csb time:

Our paralegal hated the keyboards that came with the latest batch of computers our boss bought. She used to type with an IBM Correcting Selectric Typewriter AND an OLD NCR rig from way back. Didn't compain about the Compaqs, but the keyboards on the Dells and HPs he bought thereafter are so light that she can't "feel" the keys when she types.

Luckily we had another computer whose keyboard resembled something close to the keyboards she used to use. Always wondered if the Das keyboards would resemble something that she would've used with the typewriter or the PC/AT keyboards of back in the day.

When we first set up the main computer in our house, I tried to put a PC/AT keyboard on it but my wife made me put anewer, less clacky, keyboard on it in short order because she haded the noise. That keyboard sits happily on myCrunchbang Linux box in our basement however.

This is the Dell keyboard she uses. May not resemble the classic IBM 'boards of the past but she likes using it.

I have a Dell keyboard also, but it's a model M made by Lexmark.

[www.clickykeyboard.com image 400x300]

Question: Wouldn't IBM make a killing from selling an updated version (for use on XP onward/Mac) of the Model M; both a genuine Model M and a customizable Model M?

IBM sold their keyboard division to Lexmark, and it was later sold to Unicomp who still make them to this day. Probably one of the only keyboards you can buy that are still made in the USA. I don't think they make all that much money on them though, most people are content with the cheap keyboards that come with their computer. Mechanical keyboards have made a comeback in the last few years though.

Tr0mBoNe:I spray painted my keyboard black when I was in High School to make me learn to type by feel.

I was a very interesting child.

I had to learn to touch-type when I worked as a software localizer, and I had to translate texts from English to French using English keyboards. Alt-shift to change the layout from QWERTY to AZERTY, and gain access to accent keys. Since then, I've been able to type fairly quickly without looking at the keyboard OR the screen.

SuperT:I have an IBM M keyboard. I just need a way to plug it in to a usb port. hrm....

I used on of these for my Unicomp. adapter Not sure if that is the right adapter to usb for you or not. Just recently replaced my unicomp with a keyboard from wasd keyboards. They have quite a few options for keys.

Rwa2play:DjangoStonereaver: Rwa2play: DjangoStonereaver: Meh. I can type 75WPM (when I'm in practice), and even I need to look at the key labels fairly often.

I prefer Northgate or original IBM PC or PC/AT keyboards, and computers with PS/2 connectors. All arebecoming much harder to find.

csb time:

Our paralegal hated the keyboards that came with the latest batch of computers our boss bought. She used to type with an IBM Correcting Selectric Typewriter AND an OLD NCR rig from way back. Didn't compain about the Compaqs, but the keyboards on the Dells and HPs he bought thereafter are so light that she can't "feel" the keys when she types.

Luckily we had another computer whose keyboard resembled something close to the keyboards she used to use. Always wondered if the Das keyboards would resemble something that she would've used with the typewriter or the PC/AT keyboards of back in the day.

When we first set up the main computer in our house, I tried to put a PC/AT keyboard on it but my wife made me put anewer, less clacky, keyboard on it in short order because she haded the noise. That keyboard sits happily on myCrunchbang Linux box in our basement however.

This is the Dell keyboard she uses. May not resemble the classic IBM 'boards of the past but she likes using it.

That's not a bad one, either. This is the one I was talking about:

Which is, I believe, uses the same key switches in a somewhat more beefy body with an integradedmedia control package.

DjangoStonereaver:Rwa2play: DjangoStonereaver: Rwa2play: DjangoStonereaver: Meh. I can type 75WPM (when I'm in practice), and even I need to look at the key labels fairly often.

I prefer Northgate or original IBM PC or PC/AT keyboards, and computers with PS/2 connectors. All arebecoming much harder to find.

csb time:

Our paralegal hated the keyboards that came with the latest batch of computers our boss bought. She used to type with an IBM Correcting Selectric Typewriter AND an OLD NCR rig from way back. Didn't compain about the Compaqs, but the keyboards on the Dells and HPs he bought thereafter are so light that she can't "feel" the keys when she types.

Luckily we had another computer whose keyboard resembled something close to the keyboards she used to use. Always wondered if the Das keyboards would resemble something that she would've used with the typewriter or the PC/AT keyboards of back in the day.

When we first set up the main computer in our house, I tried to put a PC/AT keyboard on it but my wife made me put anewer, less clacky, keyboard on it in short order because she haded the noise. That keyboard sits happily on myCrunchbang Linux box in our basement however.

This is the Dell keyboard she uses. May not resemble the classic IBM 'boards of the past but she likes using it.

That's not a bad one, either. This is the one I was talking about:

[support.dell.com image 850x320]

Which is, I believe, uses the same key switches in a somewhat more beefy body with an integradedmedia control package.

Yeah, I was hoping those would be the ones that came along with the last batch of Dells my boss bought. Sadly, they weren't.

Much better tactile feel than the current model Dell keyboards:

[i.dell.com image 751x304]

Which are, I believe, rebranded Logitechs.

HP carries something similar for their Slimline desktops. Flimsy, thin, no tactile feel to typing with them and look like they'll break if you drop them once.

Yeah, I was hoping those would be the ones that came along with the last batch of Dells my boss bought. Sadly, they weren't.

Much better tactile feel than the current model Dell keyboards:

Dell hasn't used that style of keyboard for over 2 years (we use Dell's exclusively at my company, andI've seen firsthand the de-evolution of their overall build quality, which was none to good to begin with).

Which are, I believe, rebranded Logitechs.

HP carries something similar for their Slimline desktops. Flimsy, thin, no tactile feel to typing with them and look like they'll break if you drop them once.

I just bought an HP desktop for my home, and the keyboard that came with it is pretty much the same aswhat I've been seeing with the Dells save for the HP logo.

I like Logitech's self-branded stuff, but they seem to save the crap for their OEM lines.

DjangoStonereaver:Meh. I can type 75WPM (when I'm in practice), and even I need to look at the key labels fairly often.

I prefer Northgate or original IBM PC or PC/AT keyboards, and computers with PS/2 connectors. All arebecoming much harder to find.

Yup. I have yet to encounter anything that can match the Northgate Omnikey Ultra. The versions from CVT were close but somehow not quite as good. Of course neither is on the market anymore.

thomps:i would venture to guess that most people under the age of 30 that grew up with computers could type with ease without markings (aside from the bumps on the f and j keys, i suppose). typing has become a primary means of communication as opposed to something you learn in a middle school class and then forget.

I disagree. I've seen far too many that can't. I've also seen far to many who don't understand how I can use the computer in an environment without enough light to see the keyboard well. (For example, right now. I didn't bother to turn on the room lights. I can make out the keyboard due to the glow from my screens but it's pretty dim.)

What I see are a lot of good Columbus-method typists. (Never mind that Columbus typists top out at what's a pretty poor touch typing rate.)

Explodo:Keyboards without labels are for the completely douchey who feel the need to show their superiority by making their computers hard to use for others.

Or they just don't want others messing with their systems.

Nurglitch:If you really want the clacking for a mechanical keyboard, you can download a nice little program for that: http://www.grc.com/freeware/clickey.htm

I don't give a hoot about the *SOUND*. I want the feel. There's enough tactile feedback that you know for sure if you hit the key or not. It's not something that's going to matter to you unless you're a decent touch typist and even then you'll never understand it unless you try a good mechanical keyboard. There's a reason those of us who know pay the big bucks for good keyboards.

Not if they have a proper keyboard. This keyboard has had a huge amount of use and yet all the keycaps appear pristine. That's because they don't have labels in the first place, the color is actually in the plastic of the keycap and will never wear off.

RangerTaylor:Congratulation Fark, you made me actually say out loud to myself "Wow, what a bunch of ridiculous nerds." And I get into long conversations with my friends regarding the viability of the archaeologist class in Nethack.

Nerds, yes. Ridiculous, no.

Rwa2play:Question: Wouldn't IBM make a killing from selling an updated version (for use on XP onward/Mac) of the Model M; both a genuine Model M and a customizable Model M?

Das Keyboard seems to be doing ok in the market for quality keyboards although CVT failed (although they seem to have utterly neglected things relying only on the reputation.)

I have a EZEyes keyboard for my home PC for the spill resistant feature, and a Logitech K400 wireless with touchpad for my netbook, because the keys are big enough so my big, meaty claws can type comfortably. And I am enjoying the nerds and snobs whipping out their 'boards and comparing them.

ProfessorOhki:I am shocked that no one's tried to troll yet by suggesting that physical keyboards are relics and any modern technology will use touchscreen-based input. Seemed so obvious.

There will always be a need for haptic feedback. Touchscreen phones are dangerous at best to use while driving. They're already developing a touchscreen that deforms itself to shape "buttons" we can feel.^